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Birth Control: Myths About Sex and Pregnancy

Topic Overview

Several myths about when a woman can or cannot become pregnant
persist, particularly among younger people.

Myths and truths about becoming pregnant

Myth

Truth

You can't get pregnant the first time you have vaginal
intercourse.

Getting pregnant has nothing to do with how many times you have
sex. If you are near the time of ovulation when you have sexual intercourse,
you can get pregnant.

You can't get pregnant if you are very young.

If you have started your periods, you can get pregnant, even if
your body is not mature enough to handle the stress of pregnancy. In fact, some
girls ovulate a couple of weeks before their first-ever period. Girls age 10 or
11 are known to have become pregnant.

You can't get pregnant if you have sex standing up.

Position has nothing to do with getting pregnant. The egg and
sperm can move no matter what position your body is in.

You can't get pregnant if you have sex during your
period.

Although the chance of getting pregnant at this time is less
for most women, if you have short menstrual cycles (fewer than 28 days) or
irregular periods, you may be able to get pregnant if you have sex during your
period.

You can't get pregnant if you have sex in a hot
tub.

You can get pregnant if you have unprotected sex, regardless of
where you are.

Learn how your body works and when pregnancy is most likely to occur.
If you choose to have sexual intercourse but want to avoid pregnancy or
sexually transmitted infections, use an effective and
safe method of
birth control.

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How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.